They CAN do it!

One issue that I have noticed in the past year and a bit in my teaching career is that students are often underestimated.

Sometimes, people forget that they are very capable from a very young age to learn a second language.  I studied linguistics in University and I very quickly learned that children are much more capable of learning a second, third or fourth language than an adult.  Perhaps, since adults teach them, this is why we underestimate them: if we were in their shoes, we might not be as capable.

The only way to allow the students to progress in French Core and especially in French Immersion is by fully IMMERSING the students in the language.  Isn't that why it's called immersion? This means that we must speak French ALL OF THE TIME and insist that the students speak French as well.  We have to teach them to problem solve through tough situations such as "I need help and I don't know how to ask in French," or, "I have a great idea to share during the discussion but I don't know how to say it in French."  The students will not improve and learn if we don't push them to problem solve.  Of course, this doesn't mean that we say "until you say it in French, I'm not listening."  We have to provide them with the necessary tools to succeed and feel confident.

This post as well as future posts will explain different tools I am allowing my students to use in order to move on in their learning of the French language, and to succeed daily in the classroom.

Our first classroom tool that we have just begun to use is "Les mots sur Anneau" (words on a ring).  With paint chits, students are creating their own personal dictionaries that they can add to and/or consult at any time during class.

The paint chits are on a ring to which we can add more chits if they are full.

 

On the front, the students wrote the words in french in each colour box.

On the back, they can write the translation and/or definition.

The top right corner of each page has the letter of the alphabet.  More pages for each letter can be added at any time to the dictionary.

 

There's always a way around saying a word or sentence in English.  By speaking English in French class when it's not completely necessary, you're showing the kids that 1) it's too hard to say things in French; 2) it's ok to speak English in the classroom; and 3) it's not really all that important to learn French.

Last week, my LRT and fiance, Patrick Guindon came into my classroom to relieve me for about 45 minutes and he came in INSISTING that the students speak to him in French.  Patrick is not fluently bilingual (although I think he is much better in French than he gives himself credit for).  He was very firm, just like me, about having the students speak to him and others in French at all times.  The students quickly realized that they could not take advantage of the fact that Patrick was an English teacher.  So, they buckled down, spoke French and provided Patrick with excellent writing.  We both knew they were capable.  Don't let them trick you!  Students are VERY good at prentending that they can't do it because it's hard, when someone unfamiliar is in the room. 

Please, please, please remember that all students are capable of learning a second language.  You just have to challenge them, but give them what they need to overcome those challenges and succeed.


Madame Stephanie :)